Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program

The Drug Free Schools and Campuses Regulations (34 CFR Part 86) of the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) require an institution of higher education (IHE) such as Columbia Gorge Community College to certify it has implemented programs to prevent the abuse of alcohol and use or distribution of illicit drugs both by CGCC students and employees both on its premises and as a part of any of its activities. CGCC is committed to maintaining a drug-free institution to create a safe and healthful campus and work environment and to assist its students and employees who may have problems with drugs or alcohol. In compliance with the DFSCA, the College provides for the campus community information covering the following areas:

Standards of conduct related to drugs and alcohol for students and employees

Disciplinary and legal sanctions for students and employees in violation of policy

Description of the health risks associated with illicit drug use and alcohol abuse

Description of drug and alcohol programs that are available to students and employees

College Policy/Standards of Conduct

The College prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, despensing, possession, or use of controlled substances and alcohol by employees, students, and visitors on College premises or as part of any College activity. Areas where the use is prohibited include: student campus activities, classrooms, school parking lots, roadways, leisure activity areas, and all offices or work areas considered college property.

Reference Documents:

Workplace Policy:

In compliance with federal regulations Columbia Gorge Community College has taken steps to ensure a drug-free workplace. Should an employee be convicted of a violation occurring in the workplace, under any criminal drug statue violation, will be subject to disciplinary action. Employees convicted of any criminal drug statute violation occurring in the workplace must notify the employer no later than five days after the conviction. Those employees that wish to seek help for drug or alcohol related problems are encouraged to coordinate benefits through the Human Resources office or may seek referral assistance through their supervisor. Please reference the Drug-Free Workplace document for more information.

Disciplinary Sanctions

College Sanctions

The College response to alcohol abuse and illegal drug activity by employees or students on a case-by-case basis. Details of each case are taken into consideration along with the outcome of any legal action against the individual. in addition to any penalties under federal and state law, employees and students found to be in violation of this policy may be subject to disciplinary sanctions consistent the CGCC Student Handbook/Code of Conduct, and provisions of federal, state, and local laws. Sanctions imposed by the College can range from a warning or disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment or expulsion from school. Other potential sanctions may include referral for prosecution and may require participation in approved drug and/or alcohol abuse assistance or rehabilitation program. Additionally, the law requires the College to report to a federal agency any employee convicted of violating a criminal drug statue if the employee is involved in work supported by that federal agency.

State of Oregon Sanctions

Alcohol

Minor in Possession: Any attempt to purchase or be in possession of alcohol by a person under 21 years is a class B violation. Penalties set forth in ORS 471.430 (link)

For the purposes of the Oregon Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants statutes, for a person under 21 years of age, any amount of alcohol in the blood constitutes being under the influence of intoxicating liquor (class A misdemeanor).

Marijuana

Note: Due to changes in state laws regarding Marijuana, this information is currently under review and will be updated upon confirmation of updated information.

Delivery for consideration(selling, dealing, or bartering): Class B felonyDelivery not for consideration (less than one ounce): Class A misdemeanorDelivery not for consideration (less than 5 grams): ViolationUnlawful possession (less than one ounce): ViolationUnlawful possession (more than one ounce): Class B felony

Controlled Substances

In Oregon, penalties for possession and distribution are determined by the Controlled Substance Schedule on which the drug appears. Examples from the drug schedules appear below. (note: Most drugs appear on the same federal and state schedule).

Federal Sanctions

The federal system establishes sanctions for possession and distribution of a controlled substance, based on the schedule of the drug and the amount involved. In addition, the statutory sanctions for possession and distribution are subject to the “Sentencing Guidelines for U.S. Courts.” Imposition of the guidelines may lead to higher offense levels and, thus, stricter penalties than otherwise indicated. Courts must make adjustments in the offense level for victim-related considerations, the defendant’s role in the offense, multiple counts, obstruction, and acceptance of responsibility, Finally, the guidelines establish sentences for each offense based on the defendant’s criminal history. Federal penal sanctions range from manufacture, distribution, or trafficking of large amounts of heroin, cocaine, PCP, methamphetamine, Schedule I and II hallucinogens, marijuana, hashish, or any of their derivatives (30 years to life, regardless of the defendant’s criminal history) to possession of any Schedule III-V drug if the defendant has the lowest level of criminal history (0-4 months).

Further, if serious injury or death results from the crime, minimums of up to 10 years (serious injury) and 20 years (death) plus a fine of up to $4 million may be added. These penalties may be doubled for defendants with past felony drug convictions. Finally, penal sanctions in the federal system are “real time” with reductions in sentences only for good behavior.

Health Risks

Substance abuse may result in a wide array of serious health and behavioral problems. Alcohol and drugs are toxic to the human body. In addition to the problem of toxicity, contaminant poisonings often occur with illegal drug use. HIV infection with intravenous drug use is a prevalent hazard. Acute health problems may include heart attack, stroke, and sudden death, which can occur for first time cocaine users. Long lasting effects caused by drug and alcohol abuse can cause problems such as disruption of normal heart rhythm, high blood pressure, leaks of blood vessels in the brain, bleeding and destruction of brain cells, possible memory loss, infertility, impotency, immune system impairment, kidney failure, cirrhosis of the liver, and pulmonary damage. Drug use during pregnancy may result in fetal damage and birth defects causing hyperactivity, neurological abnormalities, and developmental difficulties.

Drug and Alcohol Assistance and Resources

Prevention

In order to prevent drug and alcohol abuse, it is important to stay informed. Click on the links below to learn more about preventing substance abuse and warning signs that you or someone you know may have a problem. If you think you may have a problem, take one of the screenings below and talk to a professional about your concerns. Local and national resources are listed below.

Students needing assistance for drug and alcohol related concerns are encouraged to consult with the Student Support Services Coordinator or other trusted professional about their needs and possible referrals to agencies, counselors or programs in the community. Individuals may also directly contact one of the local or national resources listed below.

Employees may seek assistance directly through the College’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), consulting with a trusted supervisor, department chief, union representative and/or through their medical insurance plans, whichever is applicable according the employee’s status. Requests for assistance are encouraged and will not be considered alone as grounds for dismissal. Such requests will not, however, excuse violation of this policy or other conduct related to drug or alcohol abuse.

Notification and Biennial Review

Annually, employees and students are made aware of the CGCC Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program via email. This email includes links to the CGCC webpage outlining the policy with additional links to reference documents, resources, prevention information, etc. In addition, new staff and faculty are informed of the program at New Employee Orientation. Students are sent program information via email at the beginning of each term, and additional information may be provided/announcements made at New Student Orientations.

Columbia Gorge Community College acknowledges its legal obligation to conduct a biennial review of compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act to determine the effectiveness of the policy and implement any needed updates/changes. The Chief Student Services Officer (CSSO) along with Institutional Research, Human Resources, and the Student Success Team, are responsible for conducting the review and reporting on findings. This team will review:

Alcohol and drug policies and information provided at similar institutions

Student Handbook and Staff Handbook policies related to drug and alcohol use and the sactions imposed for failure to comply

Various resources available to students and employees regarding drug and alcohol abuse

Incident reports in Student Services (student) and Human Resources (employee) related to any possible infractoins of the drug and alcohol policy

It is the policy of Columbia Gorge Community College and its Board of Education that there will be no unlawful discrimination or harassment on the grounds of race, color, sex, marital status, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, and any other status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law in any educational programs, activities, or employment. Courtney Judah, Director of Human Resources.